ABU DHABI // Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi has became the first Emirati and only the second person from a GCC country to receive the Clinton Global Citizen Award.
In New York on Sunday, the Minister of International Cooperation and Development was handed the award during the Clinton Global Initiative’s ninth annual meeting, which was hosted by former US president Bill Clinton.
The award, established in 2007 to honour outstanding individuals who exemplify global citizenship, recognised Sheikha Lubna’s exceptional leadership in public service and exemplary role in the humanitarian and global arena.
“I am humbled by this recognition and, with gratitude, I stand before all of you today to receive this award on behalf of my country, the United Arab Emirates,” she said.
Sheikha Lubna said the award was not only about her but instead recognised the country’s continued adherence to the principles of Sheikh Zayed, the founding President, who set a policy of giving to all those in need – regardless of race, colour or religion.
“I am here, holding this award, because I am very fortunate to be given the opportunity by the UAE leadership to be the first-ever female minister, and more importantly, to be an agent of positive change.”
The ceremony was attended by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State and Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Permanent Representative to the UN.
Speakers at the event featured heads of state, leaders of industry, philanthropists and humanitarian figures including Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Chelsea Clinton, the actress Ashley Judd and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae